15 Nov Why Choose to Adopt a Foster Child?
Have you considered choosing to adopt a foster child? Many of us don’t realize how great the current need is for adoptive families. The Arkansas House of Representatives released these statistics on Oct. 28, 2022:
- More than 400,000 children and teens are in foster care in the U.S.
- 100,000 of those children and teens are waiting to be adopted.
- In Arkansas, 292 children in foster care are waiting to be adopted.
November is National Adoption Month, the perfect time to share the need for forever families for children and teens in foster care.
Why is Adoption Important?
Whether you are not yet a parent or are already a foster parent, you might consider adopting a foster child. “These young children and teens want a permanent, loving home, something most children take for granted,” says Emily Shields, a program consultant for Methodist Family Health.
Children enter foster care because they have been abandoned, abused or neglected. “All foster children have experienced trauma and may find it difficult to move forward with an uncertain future without a forever family,” Shields explains. According to the Annie E. Casey Foundation, children who have experienced trauma have a greater potential for long-term emotional, behavioral and physical health problems.
The average age of children in foster care is 8 years and many are older teens. “A number of foster children are at risk for aging out of foster care completely, never having known a relationship with a stable, committed family,” says Shields. “Sadly, these young adults are then at a higher risk of going to prison, being unemployed or becoming homeless.”
Adopting a child from foster care allows them the opportunity to flourish. As an adoptive parent, you can give them the love and guidance they need to become successful adults.
Next Steps for Those Considering Adoption
If you’re considering adoption, the Adoption Network suggests these actions to learn more and help you decide:
- Reach out to a family you know who has adopted or fostered to learn more about their experience.
- Attend an Adoption Month activity in your area.
- Join a support group for potential adoptive parents.
- Sign up online for adoption newsletters or e-magazines.
- Connect with other families through online forums to discuss your experience and share support.
Methodist Family Health supports National Adoption Month’s goal of finding a loving, forever family for every child. “The greatest benefit of adopting a foster child is giving them a sense of belonging by providing them with the stability and support of a loving family,” says Shields.
Ready to make a difference in a child’s life? To find out more about the process for adopting foster children in Arkansas, visit Adopt US Kids and the Arkansas Department of Human Services’ Division of Children and Family Services.
